Tom Burgoyne celebrates his 35th year as the man behind the mascot.
To most, the Phillie Phanatic is the embodiment of the best type of Philadelphian: Lovable, larger than life and utterly fanatical when it comes to taunting the opposing team. But underneath that furry green exterior lies Tom Burgoyne, who is the heart and soul (and limbs) of one of MLB’s most beloved mascots. As the co-author of two books about the Phillies and author of 17 children’s books about the Phanatic, Burgoyne’s currently celebrating his 35th season as the Phanatic—and his shenanigans are only getting more wild. Here, Burgoyne, errr the Phanatic, gives some insight into this city’s favorite furry flightless bird.
BREAKFAST: Four cheesesteaks and a glass of milk
WAKE-UP TIME: One hour before game time
DIET: None
DOPPELGANGER: Slyly, the mascot of the Hiroshima Toyo Carp
NEMESIS: Mr. Met
ESCAPE: The Galápagos Islands
WEAKNESS: Nachos
UNIFORM: Red pinstripes
WORKOUT: Jazzercise
LAST MEAL: Four cheesesteaks and a glass of milk
MOVIE:The Muppet Movie
MENTOR: Kermit the Frog
NEIGHBORS: Swoop, Gritty and Franklin
SHOES: Nike Philly Dunks
PET: Lefty the cat and Mickey the frog
BEST ADVICE: Dance, no matter what the score
PHILANTHROPY: Phillies Charities
MANTRA: Pheel the love
SINGER: Weird Al
TV SHOW:SpongeBob SquarePants
APP: MLB Ballpark
CAR: Honda Recon 250 ATV
COCKTAIL: Passion fruit smoothie (non-alcoholic)
DINNER: Four cheesesteaks and a glass of milk
SOULMATE: My mom Phoebe
BEDTIME: One hour after the game
BOOK AT BEDSIDE:On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin
THEME SONG TO YOUR LIFE:“Shake Your Booty”
VIEW: Last row of section 422 at Citizens Bank Park
FAVORITE WORK OF ART: The Phillies Mural by David McShane (24th and Walnut St.)
LOCAL HAUNT: Philadelphia-area school Phanatic About Reading assemblies
3 DESERT ISLAND ESSENTIALS: The Gamble and Huff collection, my mom Phoebe and a lifetime supply of cheesesteaks
YESTERDAY: Tiny Desk Concert with Tierra Whack
Photography by: MILES KENNEDY
